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Festive, Fresh & Fabulous

The season sparkles with colors that surprise on Eileen Boyd's table

Written by Krissa Rossbund

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The season sparkles with colors that surprise. Eileen Kathryn Boyd loves to splurge—on color. The New York-area interior designer’s appetite for striking hues is satisfied by unexpected combinations that have a youthful and energetic style. In her dining room, she stamped her purple-and-green signature design palette on a formal table that serves up a lavish and glamorous presentation for any holiday gathering.

As a modern alternative to conventional placemats or runners, Boyd cleverly cut a roll of purple paisley wallpaper to frame each individual setting. "It’s a great way to customize a gathering," she says. "You can get specific patterns and colors, and one roll is the perfect amount."

Delightful decorative accents—individual vases that secure the placecards and mother-of-pearl boxes that are tied with purple and green ribbons—making each setting special for the guest.

Even though she’s a color addict, Boyd prefers basic white to highlight classic elements such as the fireplace surround and a pair of timeless busts. "White is visually exciting and makes the classical pieces look vivacious and crisp," she says. She also prefers traditional clear crystal for its purity, elegance, and ability to make light shimmer. In addition to bloom-filled glass vases at each setting, a clear crystal compote is filled with white flowers; around it dance loosely arranged painted glass balls, greenery, candlesticks, tea lights, and whimsical birds—a decorative centerpiece choreographed by Boyd to celebrate and enjoy the season in style.